Qitang City is built following the style of the Tang Dynasty. [Photo/WeChat account: ntwgx6]

From lakeside retreats and coastal hot springs to historic towns and woodland hideaways, Nantong offers a range of escapes for travelers seeking relaxation and a change of pace this autumn and winter.

In Haimen's Haiyong town, XUAN Designer Hotel features lakeside wooden cabins and architecture blending traditional materials with contemporary design. Nearby, Sandy Star Lodging in Qilong town, Qidong, offers 18 distinctive modular accommodations designed around outdoor living and nature.

At Yuantuojiao Resort, visitors can watch the sun rise over the waters where the Yangtze River meets the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea. The area also offers beachfront stays, the 3.5-kilometer Bihai Yinsha beach, coastal boardwalks and mudflat experiences. At a hot spring hotel, themed bathing areas inspired by Japanese, Thai and Turkish traditions provide a warm retreat from the winter chill.

For a cultural escape, Qitang City invites visitors to dress in the clothing style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and explore traditional architecture. Nearby Zhouyi Hot Spring Hotel offers private courtyard bathing experiences under the stars.

Further north, Xiaoyangkou in Rudong combines expansive Yellow Sea mudflats with natural geothermal springs. Links Hotel & Spa features indoor and outdoor pools, a family water park and a seaside setting overlooking wind turbines. In Bencha Ancient Town, visitors can explore ancient lanes, admire seven traditional archways and sample freshly baked shrimp roe flatbread before unwinding at Chang'anli Hot Spring Hotel.

Families can opt for Nantong Sendi Tribe, where treehouses, animal encounters and circus performances create a woodland adventure. For quieter stays, Olle Beehive Garden homestay offers garden spaces and hands-on beekeeping activities, while Sheyuan Homestay in Tangzha Ancient Town provides a tranquil retreat inspired by classical Chinese gardens.